Urban Homesteading

First of all, have a look at this video to see the source of my inspiration:

I have decided to start working toward building an “Urban Homestead” right here in Calgary. I couldn’t find a lot about such development in Canada, so I may be a pioneer in this. Following are some pictures and notes of what I am starting with. Then I’ll post more pictures as things develop.

By the way, in case you’re wondering why we don’t just buy a REAL homestead in the country, Tom is a city boy and will NOT consider moving outside of Calgary. He likes the idea of retiring in this home he’s worked so hard at fixing up (and who can blame him?) and he likes being close to the grandbabies (another good argument). So, let’s see – my options are stick it out here with the love of my life or head out to find me a plot of land somewhere. No contest. This country girl is staying here with her Honey.

We are starting with a few raised beds and lots of urban-type lawn. It’s going to take a lot of work and a lot of dollars to do what I’d like to do, but it’ll be an adventure. Some of the things I would like to accomplish over the next few years are:

• Learn more about solar power and get us off the grid (as I said, Calgary is sunny).
• See about getting a laying hen or two in the city (although critters DO tie you to the homestead and we DO want to travel… hmmm…).
• Build up the front yard.

Some things we have to contend with that the California family doesn’t:

• Extreme cold in the winter.
• Much shorter growing season, although our longer summer days pack more punch into the growing seasons we do have!